Critical Care Nursing Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acknowledge family emotions. This is a key component of the VALUE strategy as it emphasizes empathy and understanding towards the emotions that family members may be experiencing during a difficult time. By acknowledging their emotions, healthcare providers can build trust and establish a supportive relationship with the family. Choice A is incorrect because the VALUE strategy focuses on treating family members as integral members of the care team, not just as guests. Choice C is incorrect as learning about family structure and function is important but not specifically part of the VALUE strategy. Choice D is incorrect as using a trained interpreter is important for effective communication but is not specific to the VALUE mnemonic.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube. In acute respiratory failure, especially in the setting of pneumonia and COPD, mechanical ventilation is often necessary to support breathing. Endotracheal intubation allows for precise control of airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation. Emergency tracheostomy (choice A) is typically reserved for long-term ventilatory support. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (choice C) may not provide sufficient support in severe cases. Oxygen via bag-valve-mask (choice D) may not be adequate for ventilatory support in acute respiratory failure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in the American Journal of Nursing. 1. Meta-analyses provide a comprehensive overview of multiple studies, increasing the reliability of the findings. 2. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in research design for assessing intervention effectiveness. 3. The American Journal of Nursing is a reputable source in the field of nursing, ensuring the credibility of the study. 4. By synthesizing data from various trials, the meta-analysis can offer a more robust and generalizable conclusion compared to a single trial or qualitative studies. Incorrect choices: A: AACN expert panel report - Expert opinions may vary and lack the empirical evidence provided by research studies. C: A systematic review of qualitative studies in the Journal of Advanced Nursing - Qualitative studies may provide valuable insights but may not offer concrete evidence on intervention effectiveness like quantitative studies. D: A single randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Critical Care - Single trials may not capture the full picture and

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diminished breath sounds over the left lung field. This finding could indicate a pneumothorax, a serious complication of subclavian CVC insertion. Immediate action is required to prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect answers: B: Localized pain at insertion site is common post-procedure and may not indicate a serious issue. C: A central venous pressure of 5 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not require immediate action. D: Slight bloody drainage is expected initially and can be managed with routine care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The correct action is to observe the patient's respiratory effort next. This step ensures that the patient's breathing remains stable and adequate. If respiratory effort is compromised, immediate intervention is required. Checking for bilateral pulses (A) is important but comes after ensuring respiratory status. Checking level of consciousness (C) is also crucial but not as immediate as monitoring breathing. Examining for external bleeding (D) is important but not the priority when airway and breathing are already determined to be clear.